Obasanjo Tells Youths To Embrace Robotics Education

Channels Television

A former president of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo, has challenged the youths to brace up for the challenges posed by science and technology in the 21st century by embracing Robotics education in order to be employable in the world labour market.

He made the call in Abeokuta the Ogun state capital at the opening ceremony of a two-day Robotics Education training for students and teachers from selected schools from five states of the federation.

The two-day Robotics Education training was organized by the office of the United States Consulate General office to boost technology education among participants by engaging them in hands to robotics activities and stimulate their interest in mathematics and science.

”The point really is this, the future is here, no matter where we are in the process of moving ahead with the future and we better start moving with the future so that what would be the cutting edge of science, technology, engineering in the near future, we are part and parcel of it.”

”Even though, we are still far behind in what we should be doing and where we should be in general education.”

So, robot or robotic training; designing; learning how to build; learning out to use; learning how to manipulate or learning how to really move along with these wonderful things in our hands, so that we are not left too far behind.

”Let me also comments on what has been the fear of some people, here we are with the problem of unemployment and people will say we need to create massive employment opportunities for our people, if we start introducing robots, then you will deny people employment opportunities, it will not be so”.

”Because what will happen normally is that we will have other jobs that will emanate from robotics that will be available to compensate for what robotics will take over. We have seen that throughout history.”

”The synergy came, and people thought that there will be no way for road; road came and the same engine was still working; railway came, the roads were still growing and people thought when aeroplane came, there will be no use for railway and cars but today, roads are being built and we are not able to build enough to provide for cars and yet airports are being built, enlarged and even train, railways are being built.”

”So, if we actually plan well, robots will have their place and other jobs will be created for our teeming population not only in Nigeria, not only in Africa but all over the world,” the former president concluded.

The United States Consul General, John Bray says this is in a way to help Nigeria develop its human capital for global competitiveness

”Today nearly 200 students and their teachers are here to learn, innovate, think and have fun. I can feel how excited you are to get back to your Robots”he said

”Children who receive Robotic education training will be better prepared to solve real-life problems with more creativity, critical thinking and effectiveness, these are the tools that they will need to compete effectively in the global economy”

Some of the participants shared their experiences in the two day workshop

”In the last two days we have been exposed to Robotic training a field that is generally new to us, we have been thought how to create and manipulate robots,in fact its been educative and fun .”

Over 300 participants drawn from 32 schools and five states of the federation with little or no experience in Robotics education were captured in the two-day workshop.

Nigeria’s Restructuring Is Not Possible, Says Gowon

Channels Television  

Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon has described the move to restructure the country as impossible, saying the current composition of Nigeria makes it difficult for any kind of restructuring to take place.

General Gowon, speaking at in Minna, Niger State, said Nigeria is made up of over 500 ethnic groups hence the people must have faith in the indivisibility of the country rather than agitating for its restructuring.

“Nigeria is made up of over 500 ethnic groups, languages and dialects and so many various groups called nationalities and they want restructuring. This restructuring everybody is asking for, we will have about 500 different ideas of restructuring. There is call for restructuring to reduce the number of states to only a few either back to the old region or to the zones.”

READ ALSO: Restructuring: Nigeria Has To Continue Negotiating, Says Ajimobi

The former Head of state who is known for his strong faith in “One Nigeria” said most states will be reluctant to be joined to another state for the restructuring into regions to occur, hence the impossibility of Nigeria’s restructuring.

“Those are some of the ideas that I do not know whether it will be possible for any state today to wish to be merged with another state. Let us see whether our politicians will see guidelines to be able to achieve what they want.

“But I have my problem whether the states will be financially capable to they will be able to run there states properly.”

He recalled his struggle to keep Nigeria as one during the civil war and said it was not out of hatred for any region or ethnic group but one borne out of the need to promote the course of unity in the country.

INTERPOL Issues Fresh Warrant For Maina’s Arrest

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File photo: Abdulrasheed Maina

The Presidency has said the international police, INTERPOL, has issued fresh warrant for the arrest of the embattled former Chairman of the defunct Presidential Task Force on Pension Reforms, Mr Abdulrasheed Maina.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Programme, Politics Today, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, said the INTERPOL has also put Maina on their wanted list for his re-arrest.

“In fact, the Interpol just put Maina on their wanted list now. A fresh warrant has been issued for his re-arrest.”

READ ALSO: Maina’s Scandal Is A Mess We Inherited – Garba Shehu

Shehu also said Maina will appear in court to speak how Pension funds were mismanaged adding that many people who ought to investigate Maina were beneficiaries of the mismanaged funds.

“And all the cases – you know there are a number of ongoing cases in the country which he would have been a part of. Now he is back home, he is going to have his day in court.

“People just sat down and were receiving cash from that man, knowing full well that it was the police pension that he was sharing. People who ought to investigate him, who ought to send him to trial, beneficiaries of that heist. In the coming days, the President will decide and all of these things will come out,” Shehu said.

The presidential spokesman said Maina’s issue is being investigated from different quarters including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) involving seal off of some of his properties.

“The matter is being investigated from all fronts. The EFCC, for example, is discovering more and more properties and its officials are sealing them. They are also looking at banks and all that. In fact, this investigation will also touch some foreign countries.”

Speaking further on what President Buhari’s government is doing concerning Maina scandal, the presidential spokesman said the President has got all the reports needed for a detailed investigation into the issue and the President will take more decisions soon.

It will be recalled that Maina was declared wanted by EFCC for an alleged N2billion pensions biometric scam in November 2015, a 24-count bothering on procurement fraud and obtaining money under false pretence.

The anti-graft commission has recently begun a search for him again after his return into the country and immediate disengagement by from the Federal Civil Service by President Buhari.

BREAKING: Six More Cases Of Monkeypox Confirmed

Channels Television  

The Minister of State for Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire has announced laboratory confirmation of six additional cases among the suspected cases of Monkeypox.

These include two cases each in Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom States, one in Enugu State and one in the Federal Capital Territory, making it a total of nine confirmed cases of Monkeypox in Nigeria.

Dr Ehanire who announced this today in his office said investigations are ongoing to see if any of the new cases have a link with the Bayelsa cluster, where the outbreak started.

READ ALSO: Three Suspected Cases Of Monkeypox Confirmed In Delta

He called for calm among members of the public, as the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) is working with all affected States to ensure case finding and adequate management.

He added that as frightening as the manifestation of the ailment may seem, no fatality has been recorded to date.

As at October 25, 2017, a total of 94 suspected cases have been reported from 11 States (Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Ekiti, Enugu, Imo, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Rivers) and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

He noted that the newly confirmed cases are patients already being managed by public health authorities and have been receiving appropriate clinical care since the onset of the illness.

The Federal Ministry of Health, through the NCDC, is in close contact with all State Epidemiology Teams, as well as the health facilities providing clinical care to both suspected and confirmed cases.

State Commissioners of Health have been advised to place all health care facilities and disease surveillance and notification officers on alert, to ensure early case detection, reporting and effective treatment.

Ehanire said, “A National-level Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) led by the NCDC with support from our development partners, is coordinating outbreak investigation and response across affected States.

“The EOC includes the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, as well as experts from partner agencies.

“The NCDC has also deployed Rapid Response Teams to the four States with confirmed cases. Measures have been put in place to ensure proper investigation of all reported cases, effective sample collection and testing, as well as case management of all suspected and confirmed cases. Risk communication activities have been heightened to advise the public as well as healthcare workers on preventive measures. A nationwide communications campaign has begun, to inform Nigerians of key preventive measures to take to curtail the further spread of monkeypox.”

Nigerians are advised to always wash hands with soap and water after contact with animals or, when caring for sick relatives, or managing soiled beddings

2019 Elections: NOA Sensitises Youths On Peaceful Conduct

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Ahead of the political party activities to general elections in the country, the National Orientation Agency has urged youths in the country to embrace peace.

The Director-General of the National orientation agency, Mr. Garba Abari made this known on Thursday in Owerri, the Imo state capital during a one-day youth workshop.

Speaking on the theme, “Building a people of peace, inspiring patriotism and dignity of Labour among Nigerians,” he advised youths to and shun all actions and activities that could cause chaos in the country.

According to the Imo state Director of NOA, Mr. Vitus Ekeocha, the workshop is aimed at providing a platform for discussion with Youths in the state of the importance to collaborate with the government to achieve peace and political stability.

We Encourage Militancy of Development – NDDC Chairman

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Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba

The Chairman of the Governing Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, SAN, has stressed the importance of engagements and partnerships in the development of the Niger Delta.

Senator Ndoma-Egba stated this when a delegation from the Itsekiri Nation paid him a courtesy visit at the NDDC headquarters in Port Harcourt on Thursday.

The Chairman commended the representatives of the Warri monarch for their peaceful approach to issues concerning the Warri Kingdom.

He said, “You seek development, we desire development. We will continue to partner with people who seek development and approach their issues in a peaceful way. We want to encourage a new kind of militancy. Militancy for dialogue, militancy for development and militancy for progress.

“This is the kind of militancy we want to see in the region, a militancy of engagement and partnership. We don’t want a militancy of fighting.”

Senator Ndoma-Egba said that a comprehensive development of the Niger Delta would not be achieved without a sustainable master plan, stating that the NDDC was committed to going back to the Niger Delta Regional Development Master Plan.

“We have to agree on whether to terminate the existing master plan, update it or upgrade it. But a Master Plan is needed so that our annual budgets will be annual incremental steps towards achieving the vision of the plan.”

He declared that NDDC had set up a board committee to complement the secretariat of the Partners for Sustainable Development, PSD Forum that would start work on the Master Plan.

Senator Ndoma-Egba said that NDDC was now appropriating more money for existing projects, noting that in the 2017 budget, the Commission was allocating 70 percent for on-going projects and only 30 percent for new ones.

He assured the Itsekiri people that the Omadino-Okerenghigho-Escravos Road was a key project for the NDDC and that it was already collaborating with the Delta State Government to execute the project.

Earlier in his address, the leader of the Itsekiri delegation, Chief Kofi Kartey, appealed to the NDDC to expedite action on the construction of Omadino-Okerenghigho-Escravos Road; the Ogheye-Koko Escravos Road; the Ugborodo Shore Protection Warri South West LGA, among others.

He said, “We of the Itsekiri Ethnic Nation of Nigeria, constitute a significant minority whose homeland is endowed with abundant natural resources, including oil, gas, marine and solid minerals that contribute a significant percentage of revenue of the federation.

“We make bold to say that the Itsekiri Nation is not below the second position among oil and gas bearing ethnic nations within the Nigerian-nation state.”

Chief Kartey, who is also the Executive Secretary of Olu-in-Council, prayed that the present NDDC board would make a difference in the lives of the people, through speedy execution and completion of its projects.

“We have huge confidence on this board and the management of NDDC, to bring back Warri Kingdom into true reckoning and into its proper status as a frontline producer of oil and gas in Nigeria,” he said.

Chief Kartey urged the NDDC to consider some projects that may not have been captured under the master plan, but which were very dear to the Itsekiri people.

Abia Estate Agency Workers Protest Over 14 Months’ Unpaid Salaries

Channel Television

Employees of the Abia State Estate Development Agency on Thursday protested in Umuahia over the non-payment of their salaries for 14 months, and other issues.

Dressed in black and carrying placards with different inscriptions, the protesters locked the gate to the offices as they voiced their anger over the alleged misappropriation of funds by the General Manager, Ugonma Jimuno.

The workers also accused the GM of high handedness and refusal to work with the management and demanded her immediate sack.

The Chairman, Staff Welfare Association ABSEDA, Precious Akamadu, called on the state government to investigate the agency’s boss.

“For three days we have been here. The place is locked because of nonpayment of 14 months’ salary,” Akamadu said, adding that the workers have also not been paid leave allowances for three years and that no employee had been promoted in that time.

One of the protesting workers, Mrs Chinasa Emmanuel, lamented that situation had led to great suffering and appealed to the state government to come to their aid.

“We are up to 150 staff in this agency, 14 months’ salary not being paid has affected everybody. If you look at our faces, you will know that we are hungry and for some of us, our children have not been going to school. We want the government to come to our aid,” she said.

Attempts to speak to the General Manager were not successful.

As the workers were venting their anger on the streets of Umuahia, the Nigeria Labour Congress Chairman in the state, Uche Obigwe, arrived at the scene to calm the tension and promised that the government will look into their matter.

“I know we have a listening governor, and he would find out the solution to the situation in this place. We met the governor on several occasions and we agreed that any management that is not doing well should be shown the way out. I want you to be calm; the issues raised would be resolved as soon as possible,” Obigwe said.

Misau’s Allegation: I Don’t Work In Aisha Buhari’s Office, Says Garba Shehu

Channels Television  

As another controversy erupts over the allegation that the Inspector General of Police bought two Sports Utility Vehicles for the wife of the President, one of the President’s spokesperson has clarified his position.

Senator Isah Misau who has been engaged in a running feud with the IGP, Ibrahim Idris, had told the Senate Ethics Committee on Wednesday that he had papers that show that the police chief bough to vehicles for Mrs Aisha Buhari through her ADC.

Mrs Buhari and the IGP have since denied the claims with the former tweeting, “I still use my personal cars” on Thursday.

During an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, the Senior Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari skipped the question about the issue by stating that it wasn’t his job and he, therefore, didn’t have the facts.

When asked about the matter, Mr Shehu declared that he had been ambushed before going on to say, “I don’t work in the office of the wife of the President, I am not aware of these issues.”

He said although he had heard about the matter earlier on in the programme, “the Office of the Wife of the President has a spokesperson – she has a little establishment that is taking care of her own. I believe they are in the best position to discuss these elements.”

Meanwhile, the IGP has rejected Senator Misau’s claims, describing them as outright falsehood.

A statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, Jimoh Moshood, said the claims were “misleading, unfounded, a deliberate attempt to misinform the public and drag the name of the Wife of the President and Commander in Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Mrs Aisha Buhari and that of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Ibrahim K. Idris into a controversy”.

It added, “It is pertinent to state that at no time did the Wife of the President and Commander in Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Mrs Aisha Buhari requested directly or indirectly for vehicles for her use from the Inspector General of Police and no vehicle whether Jeep or SUV has ever been given for her personal use.”

The IGP, however, explained that he is Constitutionally empowered to deploy and “control of the entire Operations of the Force including allocation of Police vehicles for operational use throughout the country”.

According to the statement, based on his powers, but contrary to Senator Misau’s claims, two police vehicles were allocated to police personnel in the convoy of the wife of the President.

“It is within the powers of the Inspector General of Police as stated above that when on the 17th January, 2017, SP Sani M Baba –Inna, the ADC “Wife of the President” Federal Republic of Nigeria requested for two vehicles for Police Personnel in the convoy of Wife of the President for convoy movement and security purposes, two Police Vehicles (i) A Toyota Sienna Bus with Reg. No. NPF 2406D (ii) A Toyota Hiace Bus with Reg. No. NPF 3363D were approved by the Inspector General of Police to the ADC “Wife of the President” SP Sani M Baba –Inna for the purposes requested and not to the person of the Wife of the President or for her personal use as alleged by Misau,” the statement read in part.

Misau Names Aisha Buhari In Fresh Allegations Against IGP

Channels Television  

Isah Misau

Senator Isah Misau, the lawmaker who is locked in a fight with the Inspector General of Police, Mr Ibrahim Idris, has mentioned the wife of the President, Mrs Aisha Buhari, in his fresh allegations against the police boss.

Senator Misau formally buttressed the allegations on Wednesday in Abuja when he reappeared before the Senate Committee on Ethics which is investigating the allegations he made earlier against the IGP.

The lawmaker, who represents Bauchi Central senatorial district, alleged that Mr Idris purchased two Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) for Mrs Buhari for personal use.

READ ALSO: FG Arraigns Misau Over Alleged Falsehood

He said, “I still have some of those papers that the IG himself submitted to the court where the first lady (Mrs Buhari), through her ADC, requested for a Toyota Hiace and one Siena.”

“The same day that the ADC wrote, the IGP minute that she should be given two jeeps and it is not part of the appropriation. If you look at the appropriation, there is nowhere they said the first lady should be given two jeeps,” he added.

Misau also accused Mr Idris of favouritism in the promotion and appointment of Commissioners of Police, as well as the illegal diversion of funds.

“The IGP is alleged to have diverted the funds provided under the 2016 Appropriation Act for the acquisition of Armored Personnel Carrier (APC) to purchase of luxury cars without virement and that he essentially runs the police like a personal property by applying police resources and valuable assets to personal use by his children and close associates,” he claimed.

The disagreement between both parties appears to be one that will not end soon as Misau’s reappearance before the committee comes six days after the Federal Government dragged him before a court in Abuja.

He was arraigned on Thursday last week before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory and charged with five counts bordering on dissemination of falsehood and against the police, the IGP, and the Police Service Commission between August and October 2017.

The senator, however, pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

The court granted him a bail bond of five million naira and two sureties, as well as fixed November 28 and 29 for trial.

I Still Use My Personal Cars, Aisha Buhari Responds To Misau

Channels Television  

The wife of the President, Mrs Aisha Buhari has responded to claims by the lawmaker representing Bauchi State, Senator Isah Misau, that the Inspector General of Police, Mr Ibrahim Idris had purchased vehicles for her.

In the wake of fresh allegations against the IGP, Mr Misau who reappeared before the Senate Committee on Ethics which is investigating the allegations he made earlier, claimed that Mr Idris purchased two Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) for Mrs Buhari for personal use.

He said: “I still have some of those papers that the IG himself submitted to the court where the first lady (Mrs Buhari), through her ADC, requested for a Toyota Hiace and one Siena.

“The same day that the ADC wrote, the IGP minute that she should be given two jeeps and it is not part of the appropriation. If you look at the appropriation, there is nowhere they said the first lady should be given two jeeps,” he added.

Read Also: Misau Names Aisha Buhari In Fresh Allegations Against IGP

Mrs Buhari in a tweet has, however, denied the claims saying: “I am still using my personal cars”.

The disagreement between the lawmaker and the IGP appears to be one with no end in sight as Misau’s reappearance before the committee comes six days after the Federal Government dragged him before a court in Abuja.

He was arraigned on Thursday last week before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory and charged with five counts bordering on dissemination of falsehood against the police, the IGP, and the Police Service Commission between August and October 2017.

The senator, however, pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

The court granted him a bail bond of five million naira and two sureties, as well as fixed November 28 and 29 for trial.

Salami Rejects Appointment To Head Corruption Trial Monitoring Committee

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File photo: Justice Ayo Salami

A former President of the Court of Appeal, Retired Justice Ayo Salami, has rejected his appointment as chairman of the Corruption and Financial Crime Cases Trial Monitoring Committee (COTRIMCO).

A source from the office of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) confirmed this to Channels Television during a telephone interview on Thursday in Abuja.

The rejection was based on principle and conscience after the justice was appointed to head the committee by the National Judicial Council (NJC) last month.

Justice Salami was said to have consulted widely with leaders on the Bench and in the Bar before resolving with his family to reject the offer.

READ ALSO: Ayo Salami Heads Corruption Trial Monitoring Committee

On September 27, the NJC named Justice Salami the Chairman of COTRIMCO during its 82nd meeting in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.

The 15-man committee consists of the President of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Mr Abubakar Mahmoud, and some former presidents of the association.

They include Mr Wole Olanipekun, Mr Olisa Agbakoba, Mr Joseph Daudu and Mr Augustine Alegeh, as well as some state chief justices among others.

Less than a week after, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) wrote to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen, asking him to review the composition of the committee.

In the letter dated October 3, SERAP had said: “While international law does not prohibit some representation of the legal profession or academics, we urge your Lordship to select candidates from these fields to the Salami committee based on their demonstrable commitment to the fight against corruption, and after extensive consultation, and a thorough scrutiny of the candidates’ past record of legal practice, to eliminate all possibilities of bias and conflict of interest.”

FG Recovers $85m From UK On Malabu Oil Deal

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File photo: Abubakar Malami

The Federal Government says it has recovered $85million from the United Kingdom as part of the stolen funds from the Malabu Oil deal.

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr Abubakar Malami, disclosed this on Thursday during a consultative meeting on assets recovery in Abuja.

Malami, however, decried the non-compliance attitude of some countries that are still holding on to stolen assets.

“I am also pleased to announce that Nigeria has recovered the sum of $85m on the Malabu fund from the UK.

“Therefore, I wish to use this forum to reiterate the need for the international community to ensure implementation of mergers considered and adopted at the London Anti-Corruption Summit in May 2016,” he said while soliciting the cooperation of the international community in the fight against corruption.

The Justice Minister also lamented the attitude of some countries perceived not to be giving Nigeria the needed support.

He added, “It is fortunate to state at this point that recovery and repatriation of our stolen wealth searched approach continues to be very tedious in spite of several bi-lateral and multi-lateral agreements entered into between Nigeria and other jurisdictions.

“Even when the provisions of the United Nations Convention against corruption obliged states parties to facilitate the return of stolen assets to victim states, countries including Nigeria are still dealing with some challenges.

“My office has also put in place necessary machinery to hold bilateral talks with countries of interest during the Global Forum on Asset Recovery. These countries include United Kingdom, United States of America, Canada, Switzerland, South Africa, Panama, United Arab Emirates, Northern Ireland, Gambia among others.

The AG however reiterated the resolve of the government to recover more funds, having signed several treaties to facilitate the return of stolen assets.

FEC Approves Draft Proposal Of 2018 Budget

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The Federal Executive Council has approved the draft of the 2018 budget proposal.

This was announced on Thursday by the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Udo Udoma, after the FEC meeting in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

Briefing State House correspondents on the outcomes of the meeting, Udoma said a date would be fixed in liaison with the National Assembly for President Muhammadu Buhari to submit the draft documents.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun, informed that N450billion capital has so far been released from the 2017 budget.

The Council also approved a 14-kilometre 330KVA electricity transmission line at a cost of N796.6m.

More to follow…

Drama As Saraki, Dogara Lead Lawmakers To Meeting With Buhari

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There was drama at the Presidential Villa on Thursday night when Senate President Bukola Saraki and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Yakubu Dogara, led members of the National Assembly leadership there for a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari.

A source in the National Assembly confirmed to Channels Television that some of the lawmakers were angered by the level of security screening they were subjected to and angrily opted to abandon the meeting.

The leadership of the National Assembly visited the villa to discuss the 2018 budget with President Buhari.

Upon their arrival at the villa in a coaster bus, they were informed they would be subjected to checks including body searches.

Despite the setback, the meeting went on with the Senate President telling reporters afterwards that they had a fruitful discussion with President.

Asked whether they were barred from entering the Villa by security agents, the Senate President said the matter has been resolved, which is why they are with the President.

The Senate also said that the lawmakers would be back to visit the President in a few days.

After the meeting, President Buhari apologised for the mix-up. As the President, along with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, saw the lawmakers off, there was a lot of laughter and no sign of the drama that preceded the meeting.

Zidane prepared for Real exit

Livescores

The former Real Castilla coach, who took up the reins of the first team following the dismissal of manager Rafael Benítez at the beginning of 2016, was named FIFA's Manager of the Year this week.

In his short time in charge of the club, Zidane claimed the 2017 La Liga title, the 2017 Supercopa de España, two Super Cup, a Club World Cup and back-to-back Champions League victories.

As he comes off the back of a convincing 3-0 defeat of Eibar in the league, Zidane is preparing his side for a number of games in quick succession, including Thursday's Copa del Rey tie with Fuenlabrada, Sunday's league clash with Girona, and a European encounter with Tottenham Hotspur.

Speaking to FIFA's official website, the manager says he is already prepared for one day when he is no longer on top as a manager.

Marca reported: "Football always brings ups and downs so you need to understand how to recover.

“If you are on an up then you have to try and stay there but I am aware that one day it will end for me at Madrid and I am prepared for that.

“I know that I am at a club that is used to winning trophies, the Champions League of course, but more so La Liga which I think is more difficult.

“My supposed ability to lead top players is based on my passion for football and my profession. More than the titles that I won as a player it is important that the players believe in my message and what I put in practice.

“If the players have faith in you then you can go a long way.”

Zidane unfazed by Catalan chaos

Livescores

Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane is not expecting anything out of the ordinary as he prepares to face Girona in the midst of Catalonia’s push for independence.

The Spanish government recently invoked Article 155 to take certain powers away from Catalonia’s government and return them to Madrid, furthering political instability.

Los Blancos have, since the 1930s and the Spanish Civil War, been associated with General Francisco Franco, the fascist dictator who clamped down on Catalan culture and language.

Franco’s support of Real Madrid, and FC Barcelona’s status as a symbol of Catalan pride, fueled the Clasico rivalry and Girona, in the north-east of the region, could also express their animus for autonomy when Zidane’s team take to the field at Estadi Municipal de Montilivi.

"We're not worried about Catalonia because security will be as it always is," Zidane said after Thursday's 2-0 Copa del Rey win over Fuenlabrada.

"We'll play our game without thinking about anything else. I'm not going to ask the fans for anything. We're thinking about the game. We hope it's a good match and that's it."

The match is now in danger of being postponed, according to radio station Onda Cero, after Barcelona’s match against Las Palmas in early October was played in an empty Camp Nou for similar security reasons.

De Boer brother slams Palace's 'strange decision'

Livescores

De Boer was axed after only four Premier League games in charge of the Eagles, after losing all four without scoring a single goal.

His brother Ronald has spoken out against the club's decision, as they still sit bottom of the league standings under the guidance of new manager Roy Hodgson, having lost another three consecutive league games.

He told BeInSport: "It hurts, definitely. He's a winner and he worked so hard at Crystal Palace to get it going. Finally, when he thought there was a light at the end of the tunnel he got sacked so that hurts even more.

"He has to stand up again. He's still hungry to coach another team, but for sure it was a knock down.

"We just started, that's why it's so ridiculous [to be sacked] after just four games. They played a good game against Burnley.

"You thought they'd begun to understand a little bit the philosophy, the way. It takes time.

"When you put someone in charge like my brother, you have to speak to him before. Have you thought about his ideas? How, after four games can you not believe in him anymore? That's strange.

"That's football nowadays. Too much pressure, too much money, it makes people make strange choices."

Benitez: I must be realistic at Newcastle

Livescores

The former Liverpool and Real Madrid boss did not have the financial power of the bigger Premier League clubs to strengthen as much as he wanted in the off-season. 

However, he has accepted the challenge of making the most of what he has to work with and is determined to work hard on improving each of his players.

“You have to be pragmatic,” said Benitez, as quoted by the Shields Gazette. “I know that this is the group of players that we have and we have to try and improve them. 

“We are working with them on the pitch and they are working really well. We can see some improvements, but still I think we can do better. 

“You can see how they approach every training session, how they approach every game, the commitment of the game, the team spirit. 

“You have to be happy because that’s what you expect from your players. It doesn’t matter the level of the player, you have to work hard for the team and they are doing that.”

Koeman linked with Netherlands job

Livescores

Following a 2-0 victory over Sweden which resulted in the Oranje missing out on the 2018 World Cup, Advocaat admitted he may leave once his short-term deal comes to an end.

And with Koeman's future uncertain at Goodison Park after a poor start to the Premier League season, the former Barcelona defender has been shortlisted as the ideal candidate by the KNVB to lead the under-performing national team into a new era.

Advocaat's post-match comments after his side's final World Cup qualifier on Tuesday hinted at a new arrival, but he stopped short at mentioning any definite names.

"It was important to win tonight with one eye on the upcoming UEFA Nations League next year," he said.

"The KNVB made it clear to me how important that was in terms of potential opponents in the UEFA Nations League next year - naturally, as an association, you would prefer to play France or Germany in future matches.

"The KNVB must now find a good candidate for the future. I will be here until the friendly games in November, although as Louis van Gaal said once 'never say never'. I have enjoyed my spell as national team manager for the third time."

Seedorf: Milan will return to the top in time

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A Chinese consortium led by Yonghong Li took over ownership of the Rossoneri from Silvio Berlusconi earlier this year, and they subsequently spent big to bring in fresh talent.

Milan haven't hit the ground running with their new-look squad, winning four and losing against Lazio, Sampdoria, and Roma in their first seven Serie A outings.

However, Seedorf is confident the Italian giants will recapture the achievements of the past once the team gels under the guidance of Vincenzo Montella.

"You can't always win, but you can be a winning team. Even when you lose you can be, it's about how you deal with the games and how competitive you are," the Dutch icon told Milan TV.

"You can't be cowed by difficulties, instead they have to give you more courage. That's what I mean when I say Milan are winning.

"I think the new owners and directors have clear ideas. They've built a team, now they have to work with dedication and strength to re-launch a competitive Milan at the highest levels in Italy and Europe.

"These things take time, although in modern football there's always less of that. Milan's DNA can't just disappear overnight, and hopefully the fans can experience certain emotions again.

"I don't mean just winning. I know the Milan fans, these fans want to dream and hopefully they can get back to doing that soon."

Agent: Progress being made in Ozil talks

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The Germany international has entered the final year of his contract at the Emirates Stadium and there are fears that the Gunners could lose him on a free transfer at the end of the season.

Ozil is free to negotiate a pre-transfer with overseas clubs in January and has been linked with Inter Milan, Barcelona and most recently Besiktas.

But the 28-year-old midfielder is keen to remain in England for the time being, according to Erkut Sogut, who says his client is making headway in discussions with Arsene Wenger's side.

"Mesut is glad to hear of Besiktas being interested in him, however, no proposal has reached us," Sogut told Fanatik.

"Even if that did happen, he wants to play in the Premier League for at least two to three more years. Our contact with Arsenal continues and we are moving in a positive direction."

Strachan set to lean fate on Thursday

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The former Scotland international replaced Craig Levein at the helm in early 2013, but missed out on qualification for the 2014 World Cup and Euro 2016.

Strachan's side had a chance to reach to the World Cup play-offs going into their final Group F qualifier on Sunday, but a 2-2 draw against Slovenia saw them pipped to the runners-up spot by Slovakia.

The 60-year-old is under contract with the SFA until November, which could see the end of his tenure after 19 wins, nine draws and 12 defeats in 40 games as manager.

Euro 2016 semi-finalists Wales will be absent in Russia next year as well, while the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland made the play-offs, with England booking their passage as Group F winners.

Buffon ready to pass the torch to Donnarumma

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Italy international goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon is closing in on retirement after next year’s World Cup, but has a ready-made replacement for the national team.

Now 39, the Juventus captain has been a mainstay for the Azzurri for over two decades, earning 173 caps for his country in the process.

"I often think about that it’s unusual to find a player who can link 40 years of football," Buffon told Copa90.

"I started playing with guys who were born in the 60s, and I’ll finish with those born in the 2000s. That’s something I’m proud of, football has changed so much, it’s more difficult now and despite that I’ve been a protagonist.

"For goalkeepers the game has changed with your feet, when I started the backpass rule had just come in. Before the goalkeeper just cleared it, but in the past six or seven years the goalkeeper has also had to build the play, make precise throws and maybe even beat an opponent.

"Because of that the the job is more complicated, the goalkeeper must take more responsibility."

Italy have yet to learn their opponents for the intercontinental play-off that stands between them and a place at Russia 2018, a tournament that will be Buffon’s last should Italy reach the finals.

When asked about his successor in the national team, Buffon pointed to the most obvious candidate, Milan’s teenage stopper Gianluigi Donnarumma, but also praised his non-Italian peers.

"At the moment the most interesting is Donnarumma," Buffon said. "At a European level he’s the youngest and it’s normal that there’s curiosity surrounding him. He’s a lad with extraordinary skills, but in general, I appreciate all good goalkeepers.

"If [Manuel] Neuer, [Thibaut] Courtois or [David] De Gea do something good I enjoy it, and I feel admiration.

"Alongside them I’d also put [Jan] Oblak, [Hugo] Lloris, [Samir] Handanovic, Alisson, [Wojciech] Szczesny, [Joe] Hart… I often watch them because I like to understand their method of making saves."

Ranieri questions Conte's 'homesickness'

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Conte revealed earlier in the season that he was disappointed with the Blues' transfer dealings and wanted to strengthen his squad more to prepare for life in the UEFA Champions League.

The Italian is reportedly eager to return to his homeland, but compatriot Ranieri believes his discontent is based more on the fact that Manchester City and Manchester United appear to have surpassed the English champions in terms of quality.

"The Premier League remains the top, and I'm not convinced by Conte's homesickness," the Nantes manager told Gazzetta dello Sport.

"Maybe he was expecting a different transfer campaign, but for a few years now [Roman] Abramovich hasn't been doing crazy spending.

"Manchester United and Manchester City have made great signings, so I imagine it's more draining for Antonio to be fighting on two fronts with the same players."

Iniesta signs on for life with Barca

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The 33-year-old eight-time La Liga and four-time Champions League winner has spent his entire senior career with the Blaugrana and is quite rightly viewed as one of the world's best ever players.

Barcelona President Josep Maria Bartomeu was delighted to have sealed a deal to keep Iniesta at the club.

And following a signing ceremony, he told the press: "The club has grown through this agreement because after 118 years of history it’s the first time we have ever offered a footballer a lifelong contract. This is a reward for Andrés’ exceptional career.”

“The younger players in the squad always say that they see him as their role model – and that’s not just because of the way he plays but also because of the behaviour that has put him where he is today."

Iniesta was also naturally thrilled to have committed his future to the club.

He added: "This is a very special day for me, simply because it means I’m staying at my home, where I can continue to dream of achieving great things for this club. It’s where I have grown and developed.”

“It makes me very happy to know that the club has given me this opportunity. I have always been convinced of my love for Barca and I know that I could never be anywhere better then here.

“I thank the club for its faith in allowing me this contract. I look forward to staying here and helping the team to achieve our targets and then at the end of the season I’ll think about what would be best for everyone.”

“You can’t put a price on this. Not just being here but also to feel that I will always be able to continue doing important things for this team, I am so pleased with the way things have worked out, and right now I can see myself continuing to play football."

Carvalho guilty of tax fraud

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The 39-year-old who currently plays for Shanghai SIPG failed to pay taxes for image rights in 2011 and 2012.

He was made to repay the amount in full and also fined €142,882 as prosecutors argued for a 12-month sentence and a €300,000 fine, 

The former Chelsea and Real Madrid defender is unlikely to serve any jail time though as under Spanish law, sentences below two years for non-violent crimes without a previous conviction are usually suspended.

Bayern confirm Heynckes appointment

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Following Carlo Ancelotti's departure, the 72-year-old will lead the German champions, in his third spell, until the end of the current season. He will begin duties from Monday 9 October.

Heynckes assistants will be Peter Hermann and Hermann Gerland. Hermann stepped down from Bundesliga 2 leaders Fortuna Dusseldorf, while Gerland was in Bayern's youth setup.

Club CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge told the side's official website, "There’s a great mutual trust between Jupp Heynckes and FC Bayern. That showed itself again in the conversations that Uli Hoeneb, Hasan Salihamidzic and I have had with him.

"We’re very thankful to Jupp that he’s accepted the offer of head coach. He’s the ideal coach for FC Bayern at this moment in time."

Sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic added, "Jupp Heynckes is a master of man management and tactics. We're convinced he’s exactly the right man to get the team back on track and achieve our aims."

Meanwhile, Heynckes said of his return to the Allianz Arena, "I wouldn't have returned to any other club in the world, but FC Bayern Munchen are very close to my heart.

"My coaching staff and I will now do everything to bring back successful football for the fans. I'm very much looking forward to this challenge."

Heynckes to return as Bayern coach

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The 72-year-old will return for a fourth spell in charge of the Bundesliga champions.

Heynckes retired in 2013 after leading Bayern to the treble of the Bundesliga, German Cup and Champions League.

He will take over until the end of the season, according to Bild.

Ancelotti was sacked following a 3-0 Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain late last month, with the Italian’s assistant Willy Sagnol taking over on an interim basis.

Bayern drew 2-2 at Hertha Berlin last Sunday in Sagnol’s first match in charge, a result which left them five points behind leaders Borussia Dortmund.

Former Borussia Dortmund coach Thomas Tuchel and Hoffenheim's Julian Nagelsmann have been linked with the position since Ancelotti’s departure

Bayern's next match sees them host SC Freiburg on October 14.

Ohanaeze’s Criticism Of Buhari’s Independence Day Speech Unfair – Presidency

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The spokesperson for President Muhammadu Buhari has said Ohanaeze group of Igbo leaders should see themselves as partners with the Federal Government in promoting peace and stability instead of constant criticism of the presidency.

Reacting to some criticisms of the president’s Independence Day Speech, Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, said that it was unfair of the group to blame the recent unrest in the southeast region on the Federal Government.

The spokesman said that President Buhari’s speech was a message to all community leaders, and that includes the Ohanaeze.

READ ALSO: NigeriaAt57: 10 Quotes From President Buhari’s Address

“President Buhari was not abdicating his responsibilities. He didn’t request any political leader to do anything seminal or out of the box. All he said is, talk to your out-of-the-line-youth so that we have some peace.

“Igbo leaders need not to be on the defensive. The President was simply saying that the regional leaders also have a role to play in keeping their youth in check.”

The SSA Media said that leaders of every other region of the country, not only the Ohanaeze from the southeast must step out and speak up whenever their youth go out of line.

“President Buhari was simply calling out the regional leaders to their responsibilities, making them aware of the crucial role they can play. This should not be seen as an attack on the Ohaneze or on any other regional leaders,” he said.

READ ALSO: Ohanaeze Visits Sokoto Calls For Continuous Peaceful Coexistence          

Responding to other criticisms of the President’s speech, particularly the declaration that all matters of restructuring or constitutional amendment are the business of the National Assembly, Garba reiterated the President’s line that the Parliament as a key institution in democratic governance is the proper venue for the ventilation of, and resolution of all contentious issues.

“Democracy may be slow and chaotic, but it remains the best system of government the world has got so far. Democracy in Nigeria has come to stay and the administration will deepen it, not kill it.”

He said speeches that aggravate  a Nigerian against another Nigerian are causing damage to our democracy, rocking at the very foundation of our unity and they better not cross those red lines as warned by the President.

Benue Workers Commence Indefinite Strike

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Civil servants in Benue State have commenced an indefinite strike over unpaid salaries.

The state workers allege that they are being owed for seven months, while the local government workers claim they are owed for eleven months.

The organized labour in the State has threatened to shut down financial institutions, markets and schools as part of measures to pressure government to clear the salaries owed to workers.

The state NLC chairman, Comrade Godwin Anya, while addressing journalist in Makurdi on the indefinite strike action, which commence today, October 3, 2017, insists the industrial action will persist until the government pays the seven months state civil servants and 11 months Local Government staff outstanding salaries.

Meanwhile the Benue State Government is appealing to the striking workers to return to their offices and assist the government in completing the processes of accessing additional funds and clear the outstanding salaries, which varies between state civil servants and local government employees.

IGP Seeks Nigerians’ Support For Effective Policing

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The Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris has called for the involvement of all Nigerians to help in intelligence gathering to ensure an effective form of policing for the country. 

The IGP made this known when he and his team visited the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel, ahead of the south south security summit.

He further noted the community policing will boost confidence and cooperation between the people and the police.

He lauded the Akwa Ibom state government for its commitment to the maintenance of peace and security, noting that this informed the decision to hold the security summit in the state. He called on other states to emulate the Akwa Ibom example.

In his response, Governor Emmanuel acknowledged the sacrifices of the police and other security agencies for the security of lives and property in the country and thanked the IGP for bringing the summit to the state.

While promising continued support and cooperation, the governor appealed to the police and the judiciary to do more to eradicate cases of rape and kidnapping in the state.

The IGP was accompanied by five commissioners of Police and other senior police officers in the zone.

Delta Pensioners Protest, Accuse Govt Of Misusing Paris Club Refund

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Retirees in Delta State on Tuesday held a protest, criticising Governor Ifeanyi Okowa over the non-payment of their entitlements.

They protested under the umbrella of the Association of Retired Local Government Staff and Primary School Teachers.

The retirees bearing placards and banners to their protest to state’s House of Assembly and Government House, accusing the governor of misusing the Paris Club refund and bailout fund released to the state by the Federal Government.

While demanding to know how the bailout was spent, they requested the full payment of all benefits owed them from 2013 till date.

This is the second time in one week pensioners in Delta State will be protesting through the streets of Asaba singing the same song and passing the same kind of message.

Their placards gave a clear description of their requests as they converged on the complex of the State House of Assembly to pour out their grievances.

“It is appalling to note that soon after assumption of office in May 2015, the state governor Ifeanyi Okowa, through the joint allocation account stopped the 7.5 percent statutory monthly allocation to the Bureau of Local Government Pensions,” Chairman of the association, Jerry Arioghore said.

“This is a serious infraction on the Delta State Pension Reform Law and all efforts to draw his attention to this fell on deaf ears.”

Responding to their lamentations, some members of the state Assembly promise to look into the matter and profer solutions to their plight

At the Government House, the protesting retirees were met by the chief of staff to the governor and the state Head of Service, who told them that they felt their pain and promised to address the issues.

“All you have stated is the obvious. We are facing these challenges because the funds are not available. Nobody wants you to die, we feel your pain and we shall definitely address these issues,” they said.

2019: South-East PDP Leaders Endorse Zoning Of Presidency To North

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Leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party in the South East have said they fully support the decision to zone the party’s slot for the 2019 Presidential election to the North and reserve the spot for National Chairman to the South.

The Chairman of the party in the South East, Mr Austin Umahi, made this known after a closed-door meeting with other party leaders in the zone.

During the meeting, governors from the party, National Assembly members, and the chairman were mandated to liaise with other zones to reach an understanding in respect of the next national chairman of the party.

Other resolutions include support for party’s candidate for the Anambra State governorship election and the unity of the country.

The meeting was attended by former Vice President Alex Ekwueme, Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, former governor of Anambra State Peter Obi, Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu, members of the National Assembly, among others/

PDP Apologises To Oyinlola, Admits Injustice

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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has apologised to its former National Secretary, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, for what it called the “injustice” he suffered in the party which led to his exit from its fold.

Chairman of the PDP Caretaker Committee in Osun State, Alhaji Sarafadeen Ishola, led a delegation of party leaders on a visit to the former governor’s country home in Okuku, Osun State.

During the visit on Monday, the PDP caretaker chairman delivered the party’s apology and asked for Oyinlola’s forgiveness, saying they have not come to lure him back to the party.

“The decision to be a member of any party is a personal one and we respect that decision of yours.

“Our mission is to come and ask for forgiveness, that you forgive us in your heart and we admit that what happened to you was an injustice and an error,” he said.

In his response, Oyinlola said he cherished the visit, saying he felt concerned that issues went the way they went during his last days in the PDP despite all his efforts to ensure the unity of the party was protected.

He said the reign of indiscipline and impunity within the PDP led to his exit, as well as the series of crises within the party and the division that later resulted in the electoral setback for the party.

“I want to say that I did everything humanly possible to make sure that the division did not come from me.

“I went to the extent of writing to the leadership of the party, the then Mr President, to draw his attention to the issues that were eroding on the unity of the party but it seemed my own sincerity about the whole issues were misconstrued,” he said.

The former governor, who said he felt vindicated by the visit and the apologies tendered, asked politicians to rub minds together and exploit all avenues of peaceful resolution of conflicts.

He said, “I want to take a recourse to the Bible which says, ‘if your brother transgresses, rebuke him; if he repents, forgive him’.

“it is on that score that I want to say I have forgiven and forgotten all that was done to me.”

Oyinlola, however, said he was happy that the PDP chieftains said they respected his decision to choose the party he wished to belong.

He also used the occasion to also introduce some leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state who joined him to receive the PDP delegation.

The former governor further advised politicians in the country to always work for the progress of the country, irrespective of the side of the political divide they belonged.

According to him, political affiliation of politicians may differ but the delivery of democracy dividends to the people must be their priority.

Other PDP leaders in the entourage include Oyinlola’s former deputy governor, Olusola Obada, former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Adejare Bello, and former member of the National Population Commission, Lere Oyewumi, among others.

Reps Swear In Dorathy Mato To Replace Hembe

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The House of Representatives has sworn in Dorathy Mato to replace Honourable Herman Hembe at the House.

Mrs Mato, who now represents Vandeikiya/Konshisha federal constituency of Benue State, was inaugurated on Tuesday in Abuja by the Speaker of the House, Honourable Yakubu Dogara.

Her inauguration comes more than two weeks after the Supreme Court reaffirmed its judgment ordering Hembe’s sack and directed him to return all salaries and allowances collected before his removal from office.

The five-man panel of the court, headed by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, had also on September 20, struck out Hembe’s application seeking a review of the judgment on the ground that the law does not allow the court to review its own judgment whether rightly or wrongly taken.

More to follow…

APGA Has Never Rigged An Election, Says Obiano

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Anambra State Governor Willie Obiano says his party, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), has never rigged an election.

Obiano who is APGA’s candidate for the state governorship election, said this on Tuesday as his party prepares for the November 18 poll.

“We do not believe in rigging, APGA has never rigged an election,” he told State House correspondents in Abuja shortly after meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Aso Villa.

“All we want is for the umpires to be unbiased – free and fair election – and you will get the result.”

The governor was hopeful of a free and fair election, saying he had gotten the president’s assurance that the poll would be conducted without any interference.

He said the president is happy with the series of development strides by his administration towards making life easier for the people of Anambra State.

“He’s (Buhari) reassured free and fair election, that’s what should be important to me.

“He likes governors like me; (governors) who are hardworking, who are delivering on what people can see, who are bringing dividends of democracy to their people, that’s what the president wants.”

“He doesn’t care about your party, he wants to know that you are doing well in this area, in that area, and that’s how a president should work,” said Obiano.

Governor Ahmed Reshuffles Cabinet

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Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State has carried out a minor cabinet reshuffle.

The cabinet reshuffle affected four commissioners and is aimed at giving governance in the state a boost, a statement by the Secretary to the Kwara State Governor, Isiaka Sola Gold said.

According to the statement, Governor Ahmed moved Mr Idris Garba from the Ministry of Energy to the Ministry of Industry and Solid Mineral Resources, while Fumilayo Isiaka Oniwa moves from Ministry of Industry and Solid Mineral Resources to the Ministry of Commerce and Cooperatives.

Mr Ahmed Muhumamed Rifun was posted to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development from the Ministry of Commerce and Cooperatives, while Muideen Olaniyi Alalade, is now the Commissioner for the Energy Ministry. Alalade held sway at the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development before the cabinet reshuffle.

The commissioners at to commence work in their new ministries immediately.

Zimbabwean Journalist Held For ‘Defaming’ Mugabe’s Wife

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Zimbabwe police have arrested a journalist at a privately-owned daily over a story claiming that President Robert Mugabe’s wife, Grace had donated second-hand underwear to supporters, lawyers said on Tuesday.

Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) said that Kenneth Nyangani, a NewsDay journalist, was arrested on Monday night “for allegedly writing and publishing a story over the donation of some used undergarments by First Lady Grace Mugabe”.

Nyangani was being detained in the eastern city of Mutare and is likely to face “criminal defamation” charges, the organisation said in a statement. He is yet to appear in court.

The NewsDay on Monday reported that a ruling Zanu-PF lawmaker, Esau Mupfumi had over the weekend handed out clothes saying they were donated by Grace Mugabe.

“I met the First Lady Grace Mugabe and I was given these clothes so that I can give you. I have briefs for you and I am told that most of your briefs are not in good shape, please come and collect your allocations today,” the NewsDay quoted Mupfumi as saying.

“We have night dresses, sandals and clothes, come and take, this is from your First Lady Grace Mugabe.”

Zimbabwe’s worsening economic crisis has forced many people to resort to buying second-hand clothes which are more affordable.

The used clothes that include undergarments are mostly imported from Mozambique after being shipped from Western nations.

Zimbabwe once banned the sale of second-hand clothes in 2015 but later lifted the ban.

The southern African country is facing money shortages and high unemployment blamed on long ruling President Robert Mugabe economic policies.

Amnesty International has called for Nyangani’s unconditional release, saying his arrest aimed at harassing and intimidating journalists.

“The intention is to send a chilling message to journalists and media workers that they must self-censor rather than expose truths,” it said in a statement.

AFP

N177million Fraud: Professor, Two Others Sentenced To 40 Years Imprisonment

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A Federal High Court sitting in Ibadan has sentenced a Professor of Agriculture, Benjamin Ogunmodede of the Institute of Agricultural, Research and Training (IART) to 40 years imprisonment over diversion and mismanagement of funds.

The two others involved in the diversion of fund include the Chief Accountant Zackeus Tejumola and a staff of the institution, Adenekan Clement.

Professor Ogunmodede who is also a Reverend of Anglican church is the former Director General of the Institute of Agricultural, Research and Training (IART), Apata Ibadan.

They were charged on 16-count charge bordering on conspiracy, unlawful conversion, and stealing of school subversion and other charges started since 2011.

Justice Ayo Emmanuel sentenced the accused for four years per charge and however said the 40 years will run concurrently, without an option of fine.

READ ALSO: Judge Recuses Self From Trial Of Boko Haram Suspects

According to the judgment, the accused diverted over N177 million from N600 million received as subversion from the Federal Government to pay salaries of worker and execute certain projects in the institute, adding that they did not follow due process even in some executed projects.

The judgment indicated that the defendants had said they used part of the money to bribe members of House of Representatives and some staff of the Federal Ministry of Finance after they facilitated release of the fund for the institution.

Justice Emannuel said bribe and money laundry are prohibited in the country adding that it is a punishable offense under the law.

“It must be borne in mind that the primary of judicial sentencing is to serve as deterrent for those with such similar criminal tendencies and for rehabilitation of the accused. The two reasons are sociological in nature,” he said.

After the judgment, the leading counsel to the EFCC, Nkereuwem Anana said the judgment was an indication that Nigeria is serious with the anti-corruption crusade. He commended the court for the judgment saying the judgment will serve as deterrent for other public office holders who are embezzling public fund.

The representative of Rotimi Akeredolu who was the leading counsel for Ogunmodede, Mr Tunde Olupona said the judgment was very fair to all the parties adding that the legal team will have a review of the judgment and see the way forward.

Police Parade Boko Haram Suspect, Others In Ondo

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Babachir Muhammed

Ondo State Police Command has paraded a suspected Boko Haram terrorist, Babachir Muhammed, who was arrested in Akoko South East Local Government Area of the state.

The suspect was paraded alongside other crime suspects on Tuesday at the Command Headquarters in Akure, the state capital.

Commissioner of Police in the state, Gbenga Adeyanju, told reporters that Muhammed was apprehended almost at the same spot where one suspect had been caught earlier.

The suspected terrorist, who was arrested on October 1 in Isua-Akoko while moving suspiciously along the road, confessed to being a member of the Boko Haram sect.

The 40-year-old who hails from the Niger Republic also confessed that he had killed two people since he joined the group eight months ago.

He said he fled from the counter-attack of the Joint Task Force in Maiduguri, Borno State capital to Nasarawa State, and eventually landed in Ondo State.

Also paraded were 12 suspected cult members arrested by the police in Igoba and Oba-Ile areas of the state, near Akure.

The police commissioner hinted that some Indian hemp traffickers were arrested along the Akure/Owo highway with 12 bags of the illicit drug in their possession.

He, however, assured the people of the state not to panic, saying the remaining Boko Haram members hiding in the state would be apprehended.

Adeyanju also appealed to them to continue to provide the Command with information that would assist in tackling crimes in the state.

Alleged Money Laundering: Diezani Seeks To Be Joined In Suit Against Belgore

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File photo: Diezani Alison-Madueke

A former petroleum minister Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke is seeking to be joined in a suit filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mohammed Belgore, and a former Minister of National Planning, Professor Abubakar Suleiman.

At the resumed hearing on Tuesday, Diezani’s lawyer, Obinna Onya, said his client was named in counts one to four of the charge presented by the EFCC but was not made a defendant.

He then told the Federal High Court in Lagos that her application was to enable her to defend the allegations in all four counts.

The prosecution, however, opposed the application on the ground that he had not been served.

Justice Rilwan Aikawa, therefore, adjourned the matter till the documents were properly served.

He also adjourned the trial till October 4 for the EFCC to respond to an objection made by the defence counsel over the admissibility of a computer-generated document tendered by the EFCC’s witness, Usman Zakari.

Zakari, an investigator for the Commission, said in the course of investigation, he discovered emails between the Managing Director of Fidelity Bank, Ogonna Okonkwo, and the son of the former petroleum minister.

According to the witness, the emails showed a list of beneficiaries of the $115,010,000 (about N37bn) allegedly shared by Alison-Madueke to some individuals in 36 states during the 2015 general elections.

Suleiman and Belgore are accused of directly taking possession of the said sum and conspired to make cash payment of N450m, which “exceeded the amount authorised by law without going through financial institution”.

Judge Withdraws From Trial Of Boko Haram Suspects

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Justice John Tsoho of the Federal High Court in Abuja has withdrawn from the trial of eight Boko Haram suspects standing trial before his court.

The judge announced his withdrawal at the resumed trial of the suspects on Tuesday at the court in the Federal Capital Territory.

The withdrawal followed an application by Abu Musab Al-Barnawi and seven others asking that their case be transferred from his court on the grounds of alleged bias.

Al-Barnawi, who was a spokesman for the terrorist group, and the seven other suspects are facing trial at the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court for the alleged murder of five foreigners who were abducted from a construction site in Kebbi State in 2011.

The suspects were also accused of alleged culpability in the murder of seven other foreigners in Borno State.

The seven foreigners were allegedly abducted from another construction site in Bauchi State in February 2013, and taken to the Sambisa forest, as spelt out by the charge.

Kachikwu Writes Buhari, Accuses NNPC GMD Of Insubordination

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Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr Ibe Kachikwu, and NNPC Group Managing Director, Dr Maikanti Baru

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr Ibe kachukwu, and the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Dr Maikanti Baru, appear to be at daggers drawn. 

Dr Kachikwu is said to have written to President Muhammadu Buhari accusing the NNPC boss of practices that could jeopardise the Federal Government’s policies aimed at repositioning the petroleum industry.

In the letter, dated August 30, which was said to have been leaked to the public, Dr Kachikwu complained to the President over what he considers as insubordination by the NNPC boss.

An alleged copy of the letter which is making the rounds on the Internet indicates that the minister is also unhappy with the manner recent changes in the NNPC were handled and accused Dr Baru of humiliating the board.

Dated a day after the NNPC announced a massive shakeup which affected 55 management staff, the Minister said it wasn’t the first time changes would be made without the Board’s input.

“It is in the spirit of service and absolute belief in your leadership and integrity that I have, after one year of tolerating these disrespectful and humiliating conducts by the GMD, decided to bring these to your attention,” the Minister wrote.

He called on the President to intervene and “save the office of the Minister of State from further humiliation and disrespect by compelling all parastatals to submit to oversight regulatory mandate and proper supervision” which he is supposed to manage on the President’s behalf.

He also called on President Buhari to “save the NNPC and the oil industry from collapse arising from the above non-transparent practices and empower the Board” to do the needful.

When Channels Television contacted the Ministry of Petroleum Resources on the matter, the Director Of Press in the Ministry, Idang Alibi, said the memo was meant to be a confidential communication but expressed disappointment that it was leaked to the public.

He said, “The communication under reference is a normal procedural correspondence by the minister to the President relating to developments in parastatals under his supervision. It is most distressing to the Ministry of Petroleum Resources that a confidential communication to the President on the performance of one of its parastatals can be made public.”

According to him, the essence of the memo is on improving efficiency and encouraging transparency in the oil and gas sector and boosting investor confidence.

A source at the NNPC told Channels Television that the corporation was not prepared to react on the issue.

What I Discussed With President Buhari – Obiano

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President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday met with Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Briefing reporters after the meeting, Governor Obiano said President Buhari assured him of a free and fair governorship election in Anambra State.

“He’s (Buhari) reassured free and fair election, that’s what should be important to me,” he told State House correspondents.

The governor also said the president is happy with states governors who are committed to delivering democracy dividends to the people.

He said, “He likes governors like me. (Governors) who are hardworking, who are delivering on what people can see, who are bringing dividends of democracy to their people, that’s what the president wants.”

“He doesn’t care about your party, he wants to know that you are doing well in this area, in that area, and that’s how a president should work.”

On his party’s preparation ahead of the governorship poll in Anambra, Obiano said the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has no intention to rig the election.

“We do not believe in rigging, APGA has never rigged an election. All we want is for the umpires to be unbiased – free and fair election – and you will get the result,” he said.

Meanwhile, the President held a separate meeting with Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State and the Minister of Solid Mineral Development, Dr Kayode Fayemi.

At the meeting, Governor Akeredolu made a case for Deep Seaport in Ondo State for easy export of abundant mineral resources from the state.

Dr Fayemi, on his part, briefed President Buhari on the Ajaokuta Steel Company with a view to bringing it back on stream quickly.

Lacazette wants long Sanchez partnership

Livescores

Lacazette had been a long-term target for Gunners boss Arsene Wenger, who finally got his man during the recent transfer window in a club-record £46 million deal from Lyon.

The France international has made a promising start to life in the Premier League, scoring four goals in seven appearances, and he revealed an admiration for Sanchez, stating that the Chilean star added to the lure of playing for the north London giants.

Sanchez's future remains uncertain after seeing a deadline-day switch to Manchester City fail to materialise, with the 28-year-old yet to agree new terms on a contract that runs out at the end of the current campaign.

Lacazette, though, is hopeful of a positive outcome, telling Arsenal Player: "That's one of the reasons why I wanted to come to Arsenal - to play with players of [Alexis'] calibre.

"Just seeing him in training, I like the way he plays and his mental attitude. His approach makes me want to play alongside him - hopefully for many years."

The 26-year-old added that the French connection at the club has helped him settle in nicely: "I'm enjoying it. The Arsenal staff are excellent and they've helped me a lot.

"Also, the fact that there are quite a few French players in the club has made the transition much easier for me. On the pitch too, I feel a good connection with the fans, so overall I am very happy."

Bayern rebels held 'secret' training sessions

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The fallout from Bayern Munich’s sacking of Carlo Ancelotti continues to emerge, with details coming to light of players rebelling against the Italian’s coaching methods.

It has been widely reported that many of the club’s star players found it hard to adjust to Ancelotti’s more-relaxed style following Pep Guardiola's intense training sessions.

A report published in German magazine 'Kicker' on Monday alleged that several senior players were so disappointed by training under Ancelotti that they organised secret training sessions behind his back.

Manuel Neuer, Thomas Muller and Jerome Boateng have been named as those who rebelled, along with other dissenting voices including Franck Ribery, Arjen Robben and Mats Hummels.

Several of the players reportedly went above the head of the former Chelsea coach at the beginning of this season to discuss training with club CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge.

Ancelotti was apparently aware of the meeting, but still refused to change his approach.

That is reportedly when several players held a secret meeting at which they decided to set up the extra training they felt was needed to compete at the very top level.

Robben, who refused to back Ancelotti when asked about his future last week, told Kicker that his son was receiving better coaching with Bayern’s youth team.

Barca Win Behind Closed Doors Amid Catalonia Clashes

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Barcelona’s players celebrate a goal during the Spanish league football match FC Barcelona vs UD Las Palmas played behind closed doors at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona on October 1, 2017.
JOSE JORDAN / AFP

Lionel Messi scored twice as Barcelona beat Las Palmas 3-0 in a match played behind closed doors after the Spanish league refused Barca’s plea to postpone the game on the day of the highly-charged Catalonia referendum.

At least 91 people were injured as Spanish riot police fired rubber bullets and forced their way into activist-held polling stations over the independence vote deemed illegal by the Spanish government on Sunday.

Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu said the club made the decision to play behind closed doors as a protest against the violent clashes rather than security concerns.

“FC Barcelona condemns the events which have taken place in many parts of Catalonia today in order to prevent its citizens exercising their democratic right to free expression,” Barcelona said in a statement.

“We have done it behind closed doors so that everyone can see our opposition at what is happening,” added Bartomeu.

In a statement, La Liga insisted “there was no motive for the game to be abandoned”.

Had Barca refused to play the game they could have faced a three-point deduction from La Liga on top of forfeiting the match against Las Palmas.

“La Liga’s refusal to cancel the game and play it another day… would mean the loss of six points for the team,” said Bartomeu.

A section of Barcelona fans’ groups had threatened a peaceful pitch invasion to show their disgust at events at the polling stations if the game was not suspended.

Indeed, despite the closure of the stadium, one fan did make it onto the pitch after Barca’s second goal before being quickly hauled off by stewards.

Huge queues of fans waited outside the 99,000 capacity Camp Nou for hours until a final decision was made less than 30 minutes before kick-off.

A Barca spokesperson confirmed that all fans who bought tickets would be reimbursed.

– Messi unmoved –

The match itself was an understandably low key affair as Barca opened up a five-point lead at the top of La Liga and moved 10 points clear of Real Madrid, who host Espanyol later on Sunday.

Barca’s players entered the field wearing a training top in the colours of the Catalan Senyera flag over their traditional blue and red home kit.

Meanwhile, Las Palmas wore a small Spanish flag on their shirts as a show of support for a united Spain.

However, all the off-field distractions seemed to affect the hosts in the first-half as Jonathan Calleri came closest to opening the scoring when he hit the post for Las Palmas.

Sergio Busquets, a Catalan and World Cup winner with Spain, settled Barca early in the second-half by heading home the opener from Messi’s corner.

Messi then took over himself as he calmly rounded Leandro Chichizola from Denis Suarez’s excellent pass to make it 2-0.

And the five-time World Player of the Year then smashed home Luis Suarez’s through ball for already his 14th goal of the season.

– Pique votes –

Barca have long supported Catalonia’s right for a vote on independence, without throwing their weight behind the yes or no camp.

Last week the club released a strongly-worded statement condemning arrests of regional Catalan government figures in “the defence of the nation, to democracy, to freedom of speech, and to self-determination”.

According to Spanish media reports, Barca vice-president Carles Vilarrubi has resigned over the club’s decision to play the game.

Outspoken Barca defender Gerard Pique posted a picture of him casting his vote early on Sunday.

“I have voted. Together we are unstoppable defending democracy,” said Pique.

Legendary Barca midfielder Xavi Hernandez, who currently plays for Qatari side Al Sadd, also posted a video on social media describing the events as “shameful”.

“It is unacceptable that in a democratic country people cannot vote,” added Xavi.

And former Barca captain Carles Puyol added his support for the referendum by posting “To vote is democracy!” on his Twitter account.

AFP

Julia Louis-Dreyfus Announces She Has Breast Cancer

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Award-winning “Veep” star Julia Louis-Dreyfus has revealed that she has breast cancer.

The 56-year-old American actress disclosed the diagnosis to her 750,000 Twitter followers, posting a picture of a printed note that read: “One in eight women get breast cancer. Today, I’m the one.”

“The good news is that I have the most glorious group of supportive and caring friends, and fantastic insurance through my union,” she continued.

“The bad news is that not all women are so lucky, so let’s fight all cancers and make universal health care a reality.”

Louis-Dreyfus, who has two children with actor Brad Hall, attached an image of the note to a tweet in which she wrote: “Just when you thought…”

The news comes less than two weeks after the “Veep” star won a sixth consecutive Emmy for comedy acting.

A native New Yorker of French stock, Louis-Dreyfus has been one of America’s most popular and influential comedy actors since she found fame with cult sitcom “Seinfeld” in the 1990s.

On “Veep” she plays a somewhat bumbling vice president who later becomes the acting president, despite her hapless staff making political blunders along the way.

She has six consecutive best actress Emmys for “Veep” as well as three as an executive producer when it was awarded best comedy series.

She has won in the past for her roles on “Seinfeld” — which also earned her a Golden Globe — and “The New Adventures of Old Christine.”

It has been a rollercoaster year or so for the actress, who tearfully dedicated her acting Emmy in 2016 to her father, who passed away two days earlier.

“I am so glad that he liked ‘Veep,'” she said, her voice breaking down as she accepted the award. “Because his opinion was the one that really mattered.”

“Veep” recently announced that the seventh season of the HBO show, due to air in 2018, will be its last.

Among the people expressing support for Louis-Dreyfus after her cancer revelation was former vice president Joe Biden, whose son Beau died of brain cancer in 2015 at age 46.

“We Veeps stick together. Jill and I, and all of the Bidens, are with you, Julia,” Biden wrote, referring to his wife.

He attached a photo from a comic video in which he and Louis-Dreyfus spoofed the White House Correspondents Dinner in 2014.

“Yes we do. Love back to all of you,” the actress replied.

AFP